Discovering Spain?s Hidden Gems With Spain Car Hire

Renting a car in the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca gives you the chance to experience the many unseen sides to this beautiful region of Spain. There?s a lot more to this glorious region than sun, sand and sea. Let car hire help you discover a whole new Spain. From historic citadels to off-the beaten track beaches, you?ll never be bored with a rental car in this region. The following is a guide to the lesser-spotted towns and cities of the sunny Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca.

Orihuela:

Orihuela is situated in La Vega Baja, some 57 kilometres to the southwest of Alicante.

Although Orihuela is surrounded by 16km of beaches, the city is brimming with historical churches and beautiful architecture, making it an excellent place to take a cultural break from sun, sand and sea. Places worth visiting on your travels include The Cathedral and the Palace of Rubalcalva. Driving around the whole Orihuela area, you?ll find many churches and palaces including the church of Dsantas Justa and Rufina and the palace of Conde de Granja.

Villajoyosa:

You?ll probably smell Villajoyosa, also known as ?the chocolate city? before you see it. Situated just south of Benidorm, Villajoyosa is famous for its chocolate-making heritage. Once you?ve arrived in town, it?s well worth stepping out of your rental car or a while and exploring the narrow nearby streets, where coloured houses flank both sides of the riverbank. If you?re feeling lucky, then head to the Royal Palm Casino for a flutter. There are plenty of pretty beaches in the surrounding countryside that are the perfect place to enjoy a spot of R and R too.

Benissa:

Benissa makes for an excellent day trip destination too. Situated between Valencia and Alicante, Benissa can be easily reached from Benidorm, Altea, Denia and Torrevieja. Visitors enjoy pleasant weather conditions all year round. While in town, be sure to sample the local speciality of octopus stew or tasty rice dishes that are designed to silence rumbling tummies.

Guardamar:

Guardamar is famous all over Costa Blanca for its pine forests and 10km of beaches and dunes that attract many varieties of wildlife. Once you?ve tired of the beach, you?ll find plenty of other attractions in the area to keep you occupied. The nearby area of Rojales and Algorfa offer two of the best Costa Blanca golf courses.

Altea:

Altea is famous for its Nuestra Senora del Consuelo or Virgen de Consuelo church. First stop on your tour of Altea should be the harbour where many pretty shops and caf?s invite you to indulge.

Torrevieja:

The city of Torrevieja is situated 50km to the west of Alicante. Torrevieja can be reached by following the N332 road. The most beautiful views are to be found driving along this road.

Murcia:

The city of Murcia may be best known for its San Javier Airport, but visitors who rent a car will find a whole lot more to this city and its surrounding countryside. Murcia is a vibrant city with a centre brimming with churches and cathedrals and a countryside punctuated with olive groves and sun-scorched hills,

Fiona writes for Argus Car Hire and Car Hire Spain